Google Voice is Coming!

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Grand Central has become Google Voice and is getting ready to accept new accounts. Invitations are beginning to be issued, although it seems that there is a wait list. This is a great free service that is worth the wait in my book!

Here are some of the features that Google Voice offers:

Google number - One number for all your calls and text

• Call screening - Announce and screen callers
• Listen in - Listen before taking a call
• Block calls - Keep unwanted callers at bay
• SMS - Send, receive, and store SMS
• Place calls - Call US numbers for free
• Taking calls - Answer on any of your phones
• Phone routing - Phones ring based on who calls
• Forwarding phones - Add phones and decide which ring

Google voicemail - Voicemail as easy as email, with transcripts oooh.

• Voicemail transcripts - Read what your voicemail says
• Listen to voicemail - Check online or from your phone
• Notifications - Receive voicemails via email or SMS
• Personalize greeting - Vary greetings by caller
• Share voicemail - Forward or download voicemails

Voice features - Even more features!

• Conference calling - Join people into a single call
• Call record - Record calls and store them online
• Call switch - Switch phones during a call
• Mobile site - View your inbox from your mobile
• GOOG-411 - Check directory assistance
• Manage groups - Set preferences by group

For more information about the service, you can go to About Google Voice

If you'd like to be invited when the Google Voice officially goes live simply leave your name and e-mail address Google Voice Invitation. I've heard that it may take up to a month to get your invitation (first come, first serve), but it seems like it will be worth the wait!